Perez: French GP F1 practice pace not “as bad as it looked”

Sergio Perez believes his pace in Formula 1 practice for the French Grand Prix isn't “as bad as it looked”.
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB16B.
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB16B.
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The Red Bull driver could only manage 12th fastest in the afternoon session, just over a second down on teammate Max Verstappen who topped the session.

Perez expects to be in the fight at the front in qualifying despite struggling to get a lap together in FP2.

Explaining his lack of pace in second practice, Perez said: “I think if we are able to find the rhythm overnight, we should be able to get some good lap time.

“I got a pretty bad run, some traffic involved, and some changes that probably we took a wrong direction with them. I don’t think we were as bad as it looked.

“Max had a good day on pace and yes I think we are looking there and I think tomorrow hopefully we are able to find a lot of pace overnight, understand a bit the issues and we should be there.”

Verstappen ended second practice 0.008s clear of Valtteri Bottas.

The Dutchman was pleased with the progress Red Bull has made but admits the hot temperatures combined with the gusty wind is making it difficult to nail a lap.

“Yes I think we improved quite well even during the session,” Verstappen added. “Of course, FP1 I wasn’t entirely happy then FP2 also started still not amazing, but I think on the second set, the car felt a lot better, a lot more connected, but it’s still really difficult around here; the track is very hot, it’s quite windy out there, so it’s not easy to nail the lap.  

 But I think overall it’s been a good end to the day, so hopefully we can be competitive tomorrow.”

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